Music – Ages 16-18

Music gives students life-long skills which can be used directly or indirectly in the work place as well as enhancing their well-being and broader cultural enjoyment.  Music is a very varied course which required students to be performers at a high level, whilst at the same time being skilled composer and arrangers. Students who take A Level Music can pursue a range of courses and careers where communication and performance are required, musical or not.  Many students who have taken Music have gone on to Conservatoire or University and are active performers.

Academic Programme

Students taking Music at A-Level will need to be around Grade 7 standard on their main instrument and have a good understanding of music theory and notation. We study the Pearson Edexcel syllabus, which follows on successfully from GCSE and focuses on 3 main areas: Performing (30%), Composing (30%) and Appraising (40%).

For the Appraising unit, student analyse 18 Set Works from their Anthology of Music, across 6 Areas of Study:

• Vocal Music
• Instrumental Music 
• Music for Film
• Popular Music and Jazz
• Fusions
• New Directions

The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers

Roy Ayers

What are the enrichment opportunities?

Our A-Level musicians are encouraged to perform on a regular basis, at school assemblies, Masses, Open Mornings, Informal Concerts, and with the school ensembles and choirs. It is expected that they are involved in a minimum of 2 co-curricular activities.

Students who take A Level Music learn an instrument from one of the team of highly qualified and dedicated peripatetic staff.  Tuition is monitored by the Director of Music and a tailored programme ensures that students are stimulated and challenged.  Where possible, students are given opportunities to perform outside the school so that their experience of different audiences can be enhanced.